HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.18.2024PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
Regular Meeting
July 18, 2024 Convened: 6pm
Adjourned: 9:17pm
1.CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM, by Chair Ed Lounds.
2.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pledge of Allegiance led by Chair Lounds.
3.INVOCATION
Invocation led by Commissioner O'Dell.
4.ROLL CALL
Present
Commissioner Billy O'Dell, Commissioner Craig Mundt, Chair Ed Lounds, Vice Chair Ryan Binner,
Commissioner Valerie Slack, Commissioner Larry Neese, Commissioner James A. Taylor
Excused
Commissioner Ex-Officio Nicole Fogarty
5.ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
6.DISCLOSURE(S)
None.
7.MINUTES
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A.St. Lucie County Planning & Zoning Commission minutes for the meeting of June 20, 2024.
RESULT:APPROVE
MOVER:Board Member Ryan Binner
SECONDER:Board Member Billy O'Dell
AYES:Billy O'Dell, Craig Mundt, Ed Lounds, Ryan Binner, Valerie Slack, Larry
Neese, James A. Taylor
NAYS:None
EXCUSED:None
8.PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
9.PUBLIC HEARINGS
A.FPL's Petition Text Amendments to the LDC (Land Development Code) Amending LDC Sec.
2.00.00 (Definitions), Sec. 3.01.01.D. (Zoning Districts, Generally, Public Services and
Facilities), and Sec. 7.10.28.A (Solar Generation Station)
STAFF PRESENTATION:
Thad Crowe, Senior Planner, with Planning and Development Services. Mr. Crowe stated that all public
notification requirements were met per St Lucie County Development Code Section 11.00.03. Mr. Crowe
provided the Planning & Zoning Commission with information on the proposed text amendments to the
Land Development Code (LDC) changing Electric Substation and Solar Generation Station guidelines. Mr.
Crowe’s presentation included information on the section that would be changed; Amend Sec. 2.00.00,
Amend Sec. 3.01.01.D., and Amend Sec. 7.10.28 and the new revised definitions, map set, Preliminary
PNRD site plan, active approved site plan, landscaping plans, the survey, traffic report, and the environment
impact assessment.
Staff recommended that the Planning and Zoning Commission provide a recommendation of approval to the
Board of County Commissioners.
BOARD DISCUSSION WITH STAFF:
Commissioner Slack asked about wildlife movement, shelters, and corridors. Mr. Crowe stated that our St
Lucie County’s Environmental Resource Department would be better equipped to answer that question.
Brian Arbiter, of the Environment Resources Department, responded to the question. Mr. Arbiter stated
that the landscaping is not being stripped away, and the request is more about the water control districts, that
if there's a water control district property or a canal that's buffering a residential property, they were not
removing the landscaping requirement. They're still required to landscape per our land development
code. Amy Cooper of the Environmental Resources Department adds a clarification regarding fencing.
Conversation continues.
APPLICANT PRESENTATION:
Dennis Murphy, Culpepper & Terpening, Inc. 2980 S. 25th St. Fort Pierce, FL 34981. Mr. Murphy did not
make a presentation, but did address the commission's concerns about the proposed text amendment and
addressed the concerns and questions regarding landscaping and wildlife. Mr. Murphy introduced Mitch
Eaton with Florida Power and Light, who addressed fencing and wildlife impact.
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BOARD DISCUSSION WITH APPLICANT:
Commissioner Mundt inquired about the cost of solar vs fossil fuel. Mr. Eaton answered that it is cheaper
to produce solar vs fossil fuel.
Commissioner Taylor asked how many locations for solar across the State of FL FPL has in the works. Mr.
Eaton, responded with the information that by the end of the year it should be about 80. Conversation
continues.
Commissioner Mundt inquired about how many solar locations FPL has within Palm Beach County. Mr.
Eaton stated four.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None.
BOARD DISCUSSION:
None.
RESULT:APPROVE
MOVER:Board Member Billy O'Dell
SECONDER:Board Member Craig Mundt
AYES:Billy O'Dell, Craig Mundt, Ed Lounds, Ryan Binner, Valerie Slack, Larry
Neese, James A. Taylor
NAYS:None
EXCUSED:None
B.DLF Citrus (FKA Sunbrite Citrus) Planned Non-Residential Development (PNRD) Rezoning &
Preliminary Plan
STAFF PRESENTATION:
Kori Benton, Planning Manager, with Planning and Development Services. Mr. Benton stated that all public
notification requirements were met per St Lucie County Development Code Section 11.00.03.
Mr. Benton gave a presentation on the proposed PNRD Rezoning generally aligning with their active
Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan for their citrus packing facility, formerly known as Sun Brite Citrus,
which was recently authorized to expand the existing 51,000 sq. ft. facility by over 33,000 sq. ft. to
accommodate new freezers, relocation of the loading docks, and expansion of the paved support areas. The
proposed rezoning, from the AG-5 (Agricultural-5) Zoning District to the Planned Non-Residential
Development (PNRD) Zoning District, would provide relief from the current 10% Lot (Building) Coverage
Limit imposed by the AG-5 District for future expansion. Mr. Benton’s presentation provided information
on the future land use, current zoning, proposed zoning, the urban service boundary, Fire/EMS, and utility
services. Staff recommended that the Planning and Zoning Commission forward a recommendation of
approval to the Board of County Commissioners.
BOARD DISCUSSION WITH STAFF:
None.
APPLICANT PRESENTATION:
DLF Packing LLC – None.
BOARD DISCUSSION WITH APPLICANT:
None.
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BOARD DISCUSSION:
Chair Lounds asked about 20% building coverage. Mr. Benton stated that the rezoning does cover that
20%, and they would not be required to reappear in front of the P&Z Board.
Commissioner O’Dell asked if the applicant was in agreement with the staff. Mr. Benton answered yes.
Commissioner Slack inquired about the parking lot meeting County standards for landscaping. Mr. Benton
answered yes.
RESULT:APPROVE
MOVER:Board Member Craig Mundt
SECONDER:Board Member Valerie Slack
AYES:Billy O'Dell, Craig Mundt, Ed Lounds, Ryan Binner, Valerie Slack, Larry
Neese, James A. Taylor
NAYS:None
EXCUSED:None
C.Walton Ranch Petition to Rezone from AR-1 (Agricultural, Residential-1) and RM-5 (Residential
Multiple-Family-5) to PUD (Planned Unit Development) and approve a Preliminary Development
Plan
STAFF PRESENTATION:
Irene Szedlmayer, Senior Planner, with Planning and Development Services. Ms. Szedlmayer
stated that all public notification requirements were met per St Lucie County Development
Code Section 11.00.03. Ms. Szedlmayer presented on the Walton Ranch - Petition to Amend
the Official Zoning Atlas from AR-1
(Agricultural, Residential-1) and RM-5 (Residential, Multiple-Family-5) to PUD (Planned
Unit Development) and requested approval of the Preliminary Site Plan. Ms. Szedlmayer’s
presentation contained information regarding the proposed planned development, preliminary
development plan, landscaping plan, environmental impact report, ERD report, traffic report,
boundary and topographic survey. Staff recommended that the Planning and Zoning
Commission forward a recommendation of approval to the Board of County Commissioners.
Public comments received by PDS staff via email were read into the public record during the
Staff presentation by Tommie Fowler & SLC Attorney Katherine Barbieri, per request from
Commissioner Mundt.
BOARD DISCUSSION WITH STAFF:
Commissioner Neese asked for examples that would trigger a recommendation of denial to
the BOCC. Mr. Benton, the Planning Manager, answered that demonstration of a project not
meeting the County’s Standards of Review would be grounds for a recommendation of denial
to the BOCC.
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Commissioner Taylor asked when the zoning was changed to RM-5 and stated that it does
not fit with the surrounding area. Mr. Benton stated it would require research to answer that.
Conversation continued.
Commissioner Slack asked staff if there was anything in the code regarding equine
communities and made a statement about the community being at an increased risk for flood,
and added if there is not anything regarding equine communities in the LDC, staff and the
BOCC should add it.
Chair Lounds asked about lot size. Ms. Szedlmayer stated that the proposed lots are 50 feet
wide and Mr. Benton added that they are 150 in depth. Conversation continued regarding open
space.
APPLICANT PRESENTATION:
Leah Heinzelman, Landscape Architect, with Cotleur & Hearing. Ms. Heinzelman’s
presentation contained information regarding the proposed development, preliminary
development plan, buffering from adjacent uses, current land use on the property and proposed
density.
BOARD DISCUSSION WITH APPLICANT:
Commissioner O’Dell asked the public who was there to oppose the project to raise their
hands. Members of the public opposed to the project raised their hands. Mr. O’Dell told the
applicants and associates that they should have had a neighborhood meeting.
Chair Lounds made a comment about the Savannas, then asked the applicant where the
drainage from the community would flow. Danial Bassett, Engineer, points out points of
drainage on the map provided by staff. Conversation continues.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
All comments given by the public were in opposition to the proposed project. Concerns varied
from the impact on the quality of life for the horses and the neighborhood, the increase in
traffic, and the upkeep of the surrounding area (as of right now, the neighbors take turns
maintaining the overgrowth and private dirt roads). The displacement of wildlife was a
concern for all. The consensus was that putting a residential development in a location with
agricultural uses may disturb the horses, increases the density, could increase the risk of
flooding and, overall, more congestion.
In-Person:
Elizabeth Helson – 1685 Macquillen Rd
Joshua Bradley – 7111 Gullotti PL
Lynda Dawson – 2565 Forgetten Ln
Courtney Santorella – 1050 Tilion Rd
Christina Lapi – 1003 Tilton Rd
Chad Hinkle – 7405 Silver Oak Dr
Collen Shaler – 7208 Shanas Trl
Darrell Dunhill – 7221 Shanas Trl
Deborah Kane – 1100 Tilton Rd
Robert Becker – 7500 Shanas Trl
Kevin Schevers – 2000 Tilton Rd
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Emails: (These emails were read to the public during the Staff presentation by Tommie
Fowler & SLC Attorney Katherine Barbieri, per request from the P&Z Commission)
Paul Mayo & Mindy Cohen – 7550 Gullotti PL
Michele Stadler – 7120 Shanas Trl
Mr. and Mrs. William Bessemer – 1103 Tilton Rd
BOARD DISCUSSION:
Commissioner O’Dell restated the concerns of the public.
Chair Lounds let the public know it is very important to show up at the BOCC meeting,
because the P&Z board is just a recommendation board.
RESULT:DENY
MOVER:Board Member James A. Taylor
SECONDER:Board Member Billy O'Dell
AYES:Billy O'Dell, Craig Mundt, Ed Lounds, Ryan Binner, Valerie Slack, Larry
Neese, James A. Taylor
NAYS:None
EXCUSED:None
D.O'Reilly's Auto Parts petition for a Conditional Use Permit to develop a retail auto parts store in the
CN (Commercial Neighborhood) Zoning District
STAFF PRESENTATION:
Irene Szedlmayer, AICP, Senior Planner, with Planning and Development Services. Ms.
Szedlmayer stated that all public notification requirements were met per St Lucie County
Development Code Section 11.00.03. Ms. Szedlmayer’s presentation provided the
Commission with information regarding the proposed Conditional Use, site background, site
plan, landscaping plan, architectural elevation, tree mitigation, and traffic impact report. Staff
recommended that the Planning and Zoning Commission forward a recommendation of
approval to the Board of County Commissioners.
BOARD DISCUSSION WITH STAFF:
Vice Chair Binner asked if there were any objections received. Ms. Szedlmayer stated not
regarding the Conditional Use Permit, subject to the public hearing tonight.
Commissioner Slack asked could staff bring back up the site map, then asked where the
dumpster would be located. Ms. Szedlmayer highlighted the site map up and pointed the
location of the dumpster out.
APPLICANT PRESENTATION:
O’Reilly Automotive, Inc - Brian Osborne - None.
BOARD DISCUSSION WITH APPLICANT:
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None.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None.
BOARD DISCUSSION:
None.
RESULT:APPROVE
MOVER:Board Member Billy O'Dell
SECONDER:Board Member Valerie Slack
AYES:Billy O'Dell, Craig Mundt, Ed Lounds, Ryan Binner, Valerie Slack, Larry
Neese, James A. Taylor
NAYS:None
EXCUSED:None
E.TDC Holdings, LLC (Guettler Brothers Construction) Petition to Rezone a +/- 36 Acre Parcel on the
west side of Sapp Road from the IX, Industrial Extraction Zoning District to the IL, Industrial Light
(28.5 acres) and IH, Industrial Heavy (7.5 acres) zoning districts.
STAFF PRESENTATION:
Thomas Reetz, Planner II, with Planning and Development Services. Mr. Reetz stated that all
public notification requirements were met per St Lucie County Development Code Section
11.00.03.
Mr. Reetz gave a presentation on behalf of the Guettler Brothers Construction application to
amend the Official Zoning Atlas (Rezoning) from IX, Industrial Extraction to the IL, Industrial
Light (approximately 28.5 acres of the site) and IH, Industrial Heavy (approximately 7.5 acres
at the NW corner of the site) zoning districts. Mr. Reetz presented information regarding the
site map, ERD report, the types of industrial zoning districts, comprehensive plan and future
land use elements. Staff recommended that the Planning and Zoning Commission forward a
recommendation of approval to the Board of County Commissioners.
BOARD DISCUSSION WITH STAFF:
Commissioner Mundt questioned staff about the surrounding property. Staff confirmed that
the property in question was vacant.
APPLICANT PRESENTATION:
Darren Guettler, P.E., with Velcon Engineering & Surveying, LLC 1449 Commerce Centre
Drive Port Saint Lucie, FL 34986. – None.
BOARD DISCUSSION WITH APPLICANT:
Chair Lounds asked Mr. Guettler what the applicant’s intent with this property is. Mr.
Guettler stated they are looking to move their business currently located within the City of Ft.
Pierce to this area.
Vice Chair Binner asked Mr. Guettler how the business plans to move to this location with a
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50-foot hole/pond there. Mr. Guettler responded that there is plenty of land around
it. Conversation continued.
Commissioner Slack asked the purpose of the industrial heavy zoning designation. Mr.
Guetter stated he is requesting the IH zoning designation for future use on the land, but doesn’t
have that use identified at this time.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None.
BOARD DISCUSSION:
None.
RESULT:APPROVE
MOVER:Board Member Billy O'Dell
SECONDER:Board Member Craig Mundt
AYES:Billy O'Dell, Craig Mundt, Ed Lounds, Ryan Binner, Valerie Slack, Larry
Neese, James A. Taylor
NAYS:None
EXCUSED:None
10.WORKSHOPS
None.
11.OTHER BUSINESS
None.
12.ADJOURN
This meeting was adjourned at 9:17pm.